Illuminated switches and input buttons

ABSTRACT

This application relates to illuminated dome switches and a dome switch assembly having a first contact carried by a switch base and a dome shaped structure coupled to and supported by the switch base, the dome shaped structure comprising a material that is flexible and capable of internally transmitting visible light. The switch assembly can include a second contact coupled to the dome shaped structure and arranged opposite the first contact, and a light source configured to emit visible light, the light source in optical communication with the dome shaped structure such that at least some of the visible light emitted by the light source passes into the material and is subsequently emitted by the material in a generally uniform manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/447,070, entitled “ILLUMINATED SWITCHES AND INPUT BUTTONS,” filedMar. 1, 2017, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,199,184 on Feb. 5, 2019, whichclaims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/397,307, entitled “ILLUMINATED SWITCHESAND INPUT BUTTONS,” filed Sep. 20, 2016, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to illuminated buttons andinput switches. More particularly, the embodiments relate to switches,input buttons, keyboards and the like for electronic devices andcomputing devices that have designated illumination.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices incorporate a variety of electrical components thatcan each provide different functions. A user's experience with anelectronic device is one aspect of the operation and desirability of theelectronic device. Illuminated input buttons and switches can enhance auser's experience in low light environments. At the same time, aestheticis an increasingly important aspect of the user experience. Inputbuttons, keys and keyboards have been illuminated in the past, butconfigurations for conventional illumination do not always providehomogenous illumination across the input button, a key and/or evenacross an entire keyboard in some instances.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present invention can include a dome switchassembly having a first contact carried by a base and a dome shapedstructure coupled to and supported by the base, the dome shapedstructure comprising a material that is flexible and capable ofinternally transmitting visible light. The switch assembly can include asecond contact coupled to the dome shaped structure and arrangedopposite the first contact as well as a light source configured to emitvisible light, the light source in optical communication with the domeshaped structure such that at least some of the visible light emitted bythe light source passes into the material and is subsequently emitted bythe material in a generally uniform manner.

Some embodiments can include an illuminated keyboard for a computingdevice where the illuminated keyboard has a keyboard base suitable forcarrying multiple input keys, each input key having a key cap arrangedto interact with a dome assembly. The dome assembly can have atranslucent dome supported by the keyboard base, the translucent dome aswell as a light source embedded with the translucent dome and configuredto emit light into the translucent dome such that at least some of thelight emitted by the light source is emitted by the translucent dome andilluminates the key cap.

Some embodiments can include a method for assembling an illuminatedkeyboard including arranging a flexible dome, capable of collapsingunder an applied force and having light transmitting characteristics,such that a first contact coupled to the flexible dome is opposite asecond contact and such that the first contact can touch the secondcontact when the flexible dome is collapsed under the applied force. Themethod can include electrically coupling the first contact and secondcontact to a processor such that when the contacts touch a circuit iscompleted and a signal is sent to the processor. The method can includearranging a light source to be in optical communication with theflexible dome, the light source configured to emit visible light intothe flexible dome the flexible dome configured to internally transmitvisible light emitted by the light source and subsequently emit thevisible light.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary computing device that can utilizeilluminated switches in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an illuminating dome structurein accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the illuminating dome structure ofFIG. 1B.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate side views of illuminating dome structureconfigurations with light sources in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a diagram of a side cross section of theilluminating dome structure and a button plate arranged over theilluminating dome structure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a diagram of the illuminating dome structure of FIG.3A in a collapsed or compressed position.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an additional embodiment of anilluminating dome structure in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of an additional embodiment of anilluminating dome structure in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a dome structure and an illuminatingscissor mechanism in accordance with the various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a diagram of a side view of the illuminating scissormechanism of FIG. 5A illustrating a key cap arranged over theilluminating scissor mechanism.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an example dome structure and scissor mechanismwith light sources in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the example shown in FIG. 6Aaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of another example dome structureand scissor mechanism in accordance with the various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a dome structure, scissor mechanism andilluminating diffusor in accordance with the various embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side cross-sectional views of additionalembodiments of an illuminating dome structure molded over light sources,thereby having embedded light sources in accordance with the variousembodiments.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an illuminating dome structure having aconductive material formed over the dome structure in accordance withvarious embodiments.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of a dome structure including anoptical sensor component according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the dome structure of FIG.10A in a collapsed or compressed or depressed state in accordance withvarious embodiments.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional side view of a dome structure havingoptical sensor components in various locations in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIGS. 11B and 11C are cross-sectional side views of the dome structureof FIG. 11A in various collapsed, compressed, or depressed statesaccording to the described embodiments.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of an illuminated dome and key structureaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the dome and key structure ofFIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a diagram of a top view of an illuminated input array.

FIG. 13B is a diagram of a top view of an illuminated input array thatis partitioned in accordance with the various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device that caninclude illuminating switches of the describe embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a method for assemblingilluminating switches in accordance with the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

Many electronic devices have been designed to be more compact while alsoincreasing functionality of the computing devices. Computing deviceshave also been designed to provide an improved user experience.Illumination can be provided to input buttons such as keys of akeyboard, on/off buttons, volume buttons and other types of inputbuttons. Exemplary electronic devices using input buttons in accordancewith the described embodiments can include, but are not limited to,televisions, remote controls, laptop computers, desktop computers,portable audio players, smartphones, cellular phones, tablets, andwearable electronic devices, just to name a few. Input buttons of thedescribed embodiments can have light transmitting indicia formed intothe button such as letters for keys on a keyboard, which allows light tobe emitted from the indicia so the operation of the button is readilyascertainable. In some embodiments, input buttons can be illuminated toemit light from around a perimeter of the input button. Embodiments ofinput buttons can include a switch configured to provide a signal to aprocessor when the switch is operated. Some switches can includeflexible dome arranged under the input button surface, such as on a keycap of a keyboard, interacted with by a user. When the user interactswith the button (e.g., collapses, compresses, or depresses the button),the flexible dome structure made of a flexible material can collapse,allowing contacts within the switch to touch to complete an electricalcircuit, or trigger optical sensor components that can generate a signalto be sent to a processor or other computing circuitry for operation ofan electronic device.

In conventional illuminated input buttons and in circumstances wheremultiple buttons are arranged in a pattern on the computing device, suchas keys of a keyboard, different configurations for illuminating all thekeys have been used. In some conventional illuminated keyboards, amasked light-transmitting panel of material is arranged under an arrayof keys and light sources arranged at the perimeter of the keyboardproject the light through the light-transmitting panel. The mask of thelight-transmitting panel has apertures arranged to coordinate with thekey locations, allowing light to escape through the apertures toilluminate each key. Even distribution of the light across the entirekeyboard can be difficult to achieve, however, since some loss of lightoccurs through the light-transmitting panel. Alternatively, in someconventional devices, a single light sources can been arranged at eachkey to directly illuminate the key cap. In this circumstance, lightleakage to adjacent keys can be hard to control and uneven distributionof light across the key itself can occur.

Embodiments of the present invention can include switches for use withinput buttons, where each switch can be configured to provideillumination to the input button. Embodiments of switches can includedome switches that have a light source, such as an LED, arranged to emitlight into the material of the dome structure of the switch toilluminate a button or key cap arranged over the switch. In someembodiments, the dome of a dome switch can be made of material havinglight transmitting properties and can be translucent. The light sourcecan be arranged to project the visible light into the flexible domematerial and subsequently be emitted out of the dome material in agenerally uniform manner to illuminate the input button. In someembodiments, such as for keys of a keyboard, a key path controlmechanism, such as a scissor mechanism, used in cooperation with thedome structure to control a key cap travel, can be made of a lighttransmitting material. A light source can be arranged to project visiblelight into the scissor mechanism and the scissor mechanism cansubsequently emit the received visible light to illuminate the key cap.In some embodiments, both the dome structure and the scissor mechanismcan receive and emit the visible light and, in some embodiments, theemitted light can be received from one or more light sources. In someembodiments, the light source, or light sources, can be embedded in thelight transmitting material, such as within the dome structure orscissor mechanism. In some embodiments, a diffusor plate made of a lighttransmitting material can receive and internally transmit visible light,subsequently emitting the visible light to illuminate the input buttonor key.

More specifically, some embodiments can include a dome switch assemblyhaving a first contact carried by a switch base and a dome shapedstructure coupled to and supported by the switch base, the dome shapedstructure comprising a material that is flexible and capable ofinternally transmitting visible light. The switch assembly can include asecond contact coupled to the dome shaped structure and arrangedopposite the first contact as well as a light source configured to emitvisible light, the light source in optical communication with the domeshaped structure such that at least some of the visible light emitted bythe light source passes into the material and is subsequently emitted bythe material in a generally uniform manner.

In some embodiments, the light source is arranged at a base of the domeshaped structure and electrically coupled to a lead configured to atleast transmit power to the light source. Some embodiments can include akey cap having an input surface and arranged over the dome shapedstructure, wherein the light emitted by the dome shaped structureilluminates the key cap. In some embodiments, the key cap is configuredto transmit at least some of the visible light emitted by the domeshaped structure to the input surface. In some embodiments, the key capincludes a masking that forms indicia at the input surface, the maskingconfigured to block the light transmitted to the input surface and theindicia configured to emit the visible light transmitted through the keycap at the indicia. In some embodiments, the dome shaped structurecomprises light guiding features to control where visible light isemitted from the dome shaped structure. In some embodiments, the domeshaped structure comprises masking at a portion of the dome shapedstructure to prevent visible light from emitting from the portion of thedome shaped structure. In some embodiments, the dome shaped structure ismade of a translucent rubber material. In some embodiments, the lightsource is embedded within the material of the dome shaped structure. Insome embodiments, the light source is an LED. Some embodiments caninclude multiple light sources.

Some embodiments can include an illuminated keyboard for a computingdevice, where the illuminated keyboard has a keyboard base suitable forcarrying multiple input keys, with each input key having a key capconfigured to receive an input force from a user that interact with adome switch assembly. The dome switch assembly can have a translucentdome supported by the keyboard base, the translucent dome configured tointernally transmit visible light and emit the transmitted visiblelight. The dome switch assembly can also have a light source in opticalcommunication with the translucent dome and configured to emit visiblelight into the translucent dome such that the translucent domesubsequently emits at least some of the visible light emitted by thelight source in a generally uniform manner to illuminate the key cap.

In some embodiments, the key cap comprises masking defining indicia, theindicia configured to transmit the emitted light from the translucentdome and masking configured to block transmission of the emitted lightfrom the translucent dome. In some embodiments, each dome switchassembly comprises a switch housing having walls that surround thetranslucent dome and the light source is arranged in one of the walls.In some embodiments, the dome switch assembly further comprises ascissor mechanism coupled to the housing and the key cap that causes thekey cap to travel along a controlled path when receiving an input forcefrom a user. In some embodiments, the translucent dome comprises lightguiding features to control the locations on the translucent dome wherevisible light is emitted from the translucent dome.

Some embodiments can include a method for assembling an illuminatedkeyboard including arranging a flexible dome capable of collapsing underan applied force and having light transmitting characteristics, suchthat a first contact coupled to the flexible dome is opposite a secondcontact and such that the first contact can touch the second contactwhen the flexible dome is collapsed under the applied force. The methodcan include electrically coupling the first contact and second contactto a processor such that when the contacts touch a circuit is completedand a signal is sent to the processor. The method can include arranginga light source to be in optical communication with the flexible dome,the light source configured to emit visible light into the flexibledome, and the flexible dome configured to internally transmit visiblelight emitted by the light source and subsequently emit the visiblelight.

Some embodiments can include arranging a key cap scissor mechanismaround the flexible dome. Some embodiments can include coupling a keycap to the flexible dome and to the scissor mechanism. In someembodiments, the flexible dome comprises a translucent rubber material.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1A-15; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one type of computing device100 that can include a button 104, in this case a key cap, that isarranged to receive input from a user of the computing device 100. Thecomputing device 100 can be any computing device not limited to acellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, television, desktopcomputer, media player, remote control, watch, or any other devicesuitable for incorporating a switch. As shown here, the computing device100 is a laptop computer and the input button 104 is a key of a keyboard106 arranged in a laptop base 102. The input button 104 can include andutilize switches and input buttons of the described embodiments herein.Switches of the described embodiments can include illuminated domestructures. The illuminated dome structures may include switches wherean electrical contact is carried by a flexible dome and the dome can bearranged over a second contact where, when the dome is compressed, thefirst and second contacts come into contact with each other and completean electrical circuit that allows a signal to be provided to a processorfor operation of the electronic device in which the switch is utilized(e.g., activating an input associated with a key coupled to the switch).Alternatively or additionally, the illuminated dome structures and/orswitches may include optical components embedded therein such that, whenthe dome is compressed, the optical components detect changes and sendsignals to a processor for operation of the electronic device inaccordance with designated operation of the switch (e.g., activating aninput associated with a key coupled to the switch). In the describedembodiments, the dome structure can be formed of a polymer that haslight transmitting properties such that visible light emitted into theflexible dome structure material can be internally transmitted throughthe flexible dome structure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism associated with aninput button 104 in accordance with the various embodiments. The inputbutton 104 may include a flexible dome 110. Flexible dome 110 can becoupled to a base 108. A light source 112 can be arranged in opticalcommunication with flexible dome 110 such that light emitted by thelight source 112 can be emitted into the flexible dome 110 andtransmitted internally. Light source 112 can be an LED or micro-LEDamong other suitable sources for providing visible light to the flexibledome 110. The light source 112 can include an arrangement of multipleLEDs, multiple micro-LEDs, quantum dots, and may be configured to emitvarious wavelengths of light, including but not limited to white light,RGB color light, infrared (IR) light, ultra-violet (UV) light, etc.

FIG. 1C illustrates a diagram of a top view of an input button 104including a flexible dome 110. As shown here, light source 112 isarranged at an exterior portion of flexible dome 110 such that it canemit visible light into flexible dome 110. Light source 112 can beelectrically and/or mechanically coupled to base 108, described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a side view of an input button switchconfiguration 200. The configuration 200 includes a flexible domestructure 206, end portions 210 (e.g. a scissor mechanism), a key base212 and a bottom plate 218. The flexible dome structure 206 includes abase foot 208, a cone portion 228, and a top portion 232. The bottomplate 218 and the key base 212 are separated by a gap which is used as alight guide to guide light 220 emitted from a light source 216 under thedome structure 206. The light guide 214 may also include light guidingfeatures 222 to direct light to desired locations. The key base 212 mayinclude a window 226 formed therein such that light 230 can be emittedfrom the light guide 214 and provide illumination of the configuration200.

The configuration 200 of FIG. 2A has several drawbacks. The light guide214 is typically configured to illuminate multiple input buttons alongthe path of the light guide, which causes light loss and degradesuniformity (e.g., some input buttons may have a different brightnessthan others). Further, it is difficult to uniformly illuminate wider orlonger input buttons. Configurations such as 200 also do not have theability to independently tune brightness, color, or other lightingproperties. Thus, disclosed herein are improved switch configurationsthat achieve improved uniform lighting and independent tunableproperties among other benefits as are described throughout.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are diagrams of side views of illuminated dome switchconfigurations. Configuration 202 includes a flexible dome structure 240having a top portion, a cone portion 248 and a foot base 242. Theconfiguration also has a switch base 244 and ends 246. A light source250 (e.g., an LED) that is positioned at the foot base 242 of theflexible dome structure 240. The flexible dome structure 240 may beconstructed of a light emitting material. The light source 250 may beconfigured to emit light 252 throughout the flexible dome structure 240.The light 252 may be transmitted, reflected and guided by light guidingfeatures 256 formed within the flexible dome structure 240. The light252 may be emitted from the top of the flexible dome structure 240 suchthat the emitted light 254 may illuminate an input key (not shown)coupled to the flexible dome structure 240.

FIG. 2C shows a similar configuration 204 to configuration 202,including a flexible dome structure 260 with a coned portion 268 and afoot base 262, a base 264, ends 266 and a light source 270 configured toemit light 274 throughout the dome structure 260, where the light can beguided by light guide features 278 and emitted from the dome (e.g.,emitted light 276). The light source 270 in configuration 204 is formedin such a way that light source 270 can be at least partially contained(e.g., with a portion exterior to the dome structure 260) within theflexible dome structure 260. In this way, foot base 262 can include lip272 that is a raised portion that is positioned over the light source270.

FIG. 3A illustrates a diagram of a portion 300 of an input button 304 inaccordance with the described embodiments of the present invention. Abutton plate 314, not shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, is shown in this view forclarity. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the input button 304 can include abase 308 that carries a first contact (e.g., a base contact) 324. Aflexible dome 310 can be connected to the base 308. A housing 342 cansurround flexible dome 310. Here, flexible dome 310 is shown coupled tobase 308 by way of foot 320. Flexible dome 310 can be made of a polymermaterial and have an internal volume 360 such that when a certain amountpressure is applied, the flexible dome 310 can yield and change shapeand thus collapse. A second contact (e.g. a dome contact) 326 can beconnected to the flexible dome 310. A button plate 314 can be coupled tothe flexible dome 310 at an outer portion of flexible dome 310. As shownin FIG. 3A, in the rest position, the first contact 324 and the secondcontact 326 can be separated. The separation of the contacts 324 and 326can be in part due to an amount of potential energy associated with theflexible dome 310. In this way, a weight of the button plate 314 can bearranged to not overcome the potential energy of the flexible dome 310without some external force.

FIG. 3B illustrates a diagram of a portion 302 of the input button 304being acted on by a force 330 and in a collapsed state. The input button304 can be arranged such that the force 330 can be enough to overcomethe potential energy associated with the flexible dome 310. Putalternatively, the force 330 is sufficient to cause the walls of thedome 310 to buckle and push outward, thereby collapsing. As a result,the first contact 324 and the second contact 326 touch each other andcomplete an electrical circuit configured to provide a signal path to aprocessor.

As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a light source 312 is coupled to base 308via foot 320. In some embodiments, light source 312 can be coupleddirectly to base 308. Light source 312 is arranged such that it is inoptical communication with flexible dome 310. Flexible dome 310 isformed of a material that is internally light transmitting, which meansthe material can receive visible light from a source (e.g., light source312) and transmit and guide the emitted visible light throughout theflexible dome 310. In some embodiments, the material of flexible dome310 can be a polymer material such as rubber or silicone. Flexible dome310 can be formed of materials that allow at least some of the visiblelight that is transmitted and guided through the flexible dome 310 to beemitted from flexible dome 310 (e.g., emitted light 340). As such,flexible dome 310 can be translucent. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B,light source 312 is arranged adjacent flexible dome 310. Internalvisible light 332, emitted from light source 312, can be seen internallyreflected and guided within flexible dome 310 (e.g., via light guidecomponents). In addition, light 340 (visible or otherwise) can beemitted from flexible dome 310. Since button plate 314 is arranged atand coupled to flexible dome 310, emitted visible light 340 is emittedtoward button plate 314. Button plate 314 can be any surface, button orcap, such as a key cap, capable of receiving input from a user andtransmitting an applied force from the user to the flexible dome 310 tocause flexible dome 310 to collapse.

Also, button plate 314 can be configured to be illuminated or receiveand transmit emitted light. In this way, button plate 314 can be made oflight conveying material and can be transparent or translucent. Buttonplate can have masking 316 that is configured to block transmission ofvisible light. The masking 316 can be formed in a manner that definesindicia 318 such that the emitted visible light 340 is emitted atindicia 318, and otherwise blocked by masking 316. In some embodiments,such as for a key cap for a keyboard, for example, indicia 318 caninclude letters, symbol, glyphs and the like. To control areas whereemitted visible light 340 can be emitted from flexible dome 310,flexible dome 310 can have light guiding features 328 which can guideand/or refract light and prevent emission in a particular region. Thiscan provide selective guidance and illumination of particular areas ofthe button plate 314 or otherwise provide for tuning of the illuminationof the switch and/or input button 304. In some embodiments, the lightguiding features can have light refractive properties.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view 400 of an alternative embodiment offlexible dome 400 and light source 416. As shown, the flexible dome 400includes a top surface 414, a coned portion 412, and a base portion 410affixed to a base plate. Here, multiple light sources 416 are shownsurrounding flexible dome 400 and can each emit visible light intoflexible dome 400. Having multiple light sources 416 can allow forfurther tuning of the light emitted by flexible dome 400. For example,light sources 416 can be programmed to fire simultaneously, in asequential pattern for providing dynamic illumination, or in tuned zonedillumination where particular light sources 416 are fired for particularoperations, functions or input button configurations. As shown, thelight sources 416 are dispersed at about every 90 degrees, althoughalternative dispersion frequencies may be utilized. The light sources416 may be positioned outside of the base portion 410 of the dome 400or, optionally, as shown by circle 418, positioned partially outside ofthe base portion 410 and partially inside of the base portion 410.

FIG. 4B illustrates yet another top view of an alternative embodiment offlexible dome 402 and light sources 416. As seen here, multiple lightsources 416 can be arranged under flexible dome 402 and/or embeddedwithin flexible dome 402 (e.g., within the base portion 410, althoughthe light sources 416 may be positioned on the interior of the dome 402further inside from the base portion 410). This configuration can savelateral spacing in that the light sources 416 are not arranged adjacentthe flexible dome 402. In some embodiments, flexible dome material canbe over molded over light sources 416 (or in some embodiments a singlelight source 416) and leads, or an exposed contact surface of the lightsources 416, can be provided for electrically connecting light sources416 to a controller of an electronic device for powering and controllingfiring of the light sources 416. It should be noted that the variouslight source configurations described herein could be used exclusivelyand/or in combination with one another, depending on the designconstraints of the system and the desired illumination for the inputbutton(s).

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view diagram of an alternative embodiment forillumination of a key assembly 500 for use with a keyboard, for example.FIG. 5B illustrates a diagram of a side view 502 of key assembly 500.Flexible dome 504 is shown centrally located and surrounded by a keytravel control mechanism such as a scissor mechanism made of a firstscissor component 534 and second scissor component 536. A key cap 514,not shown in FIG. 3A, is shown in FIG. 5B for clarity. Scissor mechanism(e.g., made up of scissor component 534 and scissor component 536)allows for a controlled travel of key cap 514 when a force 530 isapplied to a surface of key cap 514 capable of receiving an input force,preventing key cap 514 from depressing unevenly. Scissor mechanismincluding first scissor component 534 and second scissor component 536can be coupled to a housing 542 and key cap 514. While a scissormechanism is shown here, alternative mechanisms for key travel control,such as a butterfly style mechanism and the like can be used. In FIG.5B, a flexible dome is not illustrated for clarity. As can be seen,light source 512 can be arranged adjacent to and in opticalcommunication with first scissor component 534 and/or second scissorcomponent 536. First scissor component 534 and second scissor component536 can be made of light transmitting materials having the ability toreceive emitted light from the light source 512 and transmit and guidethe visible light 532 throughout the first scissor component 534 and/orsecond scissor component 536. In a similar manner as previouslydescribed with regard to the flexible dome, the transmitted visiblelight 532 can be emitted by the first scissor component 534 and/orsecond scissor component 536 to illuminate key cap 514 with emittedvisible light 540. As shown, light source 512 can alternatively oradditionally be arranged on and/or embedded in the scissor mechanism. Insome embodiments, light source can be arranged in housing 542. In someembodiments, light source 512 can be arranged external to housing 542.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another example key assembly by top view 600and cross-sectional side view 650. The key assembly may include aflexible dome structure 602, and a scissor mechanism including a firstscissor mechanism 610 and second scissor mechanism 612. The secondscissor mechanism 612 may include an opening 614 through which theflexible dome structure 602 protrudes. The flexible dome structure 602may include a top surface 608, a coned portion 606 and a base portion604 that is affixed to a base. Beneath or within the scissor mechanism(e.g., first scissor component 610 and second scissor component 612) maybe positioned light sources 616, 618, 620, 622.

As shown in cross-sectional view, the light source 618 may be positionedwithin one side of scissor component 612 and light source 622 may bepositioned in another side of scissor component 612. Correspondingly,light source 620 may be positioned in one side of scissor component 610and light source 616 may be positioned in another side of scissorcomponent 610. Each of the scissor components 610, 612 may beconstructed of a material capable of receiving light emitted from lightsources and transmitting the received light, as is shown by light 662through scissor component 612 and light 664 through scissor component610. Each scissor component 610, 612 may include light guiding features668 disposed on or within the components 610 and 612.

The scissor components 610 and 612 may be configured to transmit thelight emitted from light sources 616, 618, 620, and 622, toward the keyplate 654, as is shown by transmitted light 670 and 672. The key plate654 may be positioned on top of the top surface 608 of the flexible domestructure 602. The key plate 654 may be constructed of a material suchthat it can transmit light received (e.g., the key plate 654 may betranslucent). As shown in FIG. 6B, the key plate 654 receives the light670 and 672 emitted from the scissor mechanism and transmits the lightoutward (e.g., light 674). Although not shown, the key plate 654 mayalso include light guiding features. A masking 656 may be disposed onthe key plate 654 such that openings in the masking 656 form indicia 660through which light 676 is transmitted. The key assembly may alsoinclude a protective surface 658 positioned or disposed over the keyplate 654 and masking 656.

In an alternative embodiment 680 shown in FIG. 6C, the base plate 652 ofthe key assembly includes multiple light sources 682 positioned thereon.The light sources 682 may be configured to emit light 684 in similarfashion to the light sources in FIGS. 6A and 6B, but positioned in adifferent location. In such embodiments, the scissor components 610 and612 may be translucent such that the light 684 emitted from the lightsources 682 may pass through the scissor mechanism to the key plate 654.Although separate configurations are shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, it willbe appreciated that both configurations may be utilized together and/orcombinations of the configurations may also be utilized.

FIG. 7 illustrates top view diagram of an alternative embodiment forillumination of a key assembly 700 for use with a keyboard. Like in FIG.6A, flexible dome 602 is shown surrounded by a scissor mechanism made upof first scissor component 610 and second scissor component 612. In thisembodiment, diffusor plates 716 having light transmittingcharacteristics, like the flexible dome and scissor plates of previousembodiments, can transmit light received from light source 712 and 714through diffusor plates 716, which can then be emitted to illuminate akey cap or button plate (not shown). It is important to note that eachof the flexible dome, scissor mechanism and diffusor plate can be usedalone or in combination with each other as the system design andconsiderations dictate, and while described separately, nothingprecludes their combination.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate alternative embodiments 800 and 802 of aflexible dome 810 where the light source is embedded and suspended inflexible dome 810 material. Similar to other flexible domes disclosedherein, the flexible dome 810 includes a top portion 812, a conedportion 814, a foot base 816 affixed to a base 820 (e.g., a printedcircuit board, etc.), and an interior convex portion 818. In FIG. 8A, alight source 822 is shown embedded in the foot base 816 of the flexibledome 810. In FIG. 8B, a light source 824 is shown embedded in the topportion 812 of the flexible dome 810. In this way, the light sources822, 824 can be over molded with the material of the flexible dome 810and protected from an exterior environment.

Light sources 822, 824 can be electrically coupled with leads or aconductive coating on or within flexible dome 110 for connecting lightsource 112 to a power and/or control source of an electronic device. Forexample, as shown in the configuration 900 of FIG. 9, the flexible dome902 may include a light source 906 positioned on the base 904 at theinterior of the flexible dome 902 (e.g., the light source 906 can beover molded with the dome material). The dome 902 may include aconductive material layer 908 disposed over the dome 902 with a lead 910partially protruding from the material 908. The material layer 908 maybe, for example, printed circuits, conductive material, traces, etc. Thebase 904 may be constructed of a printed circuit board and a receivingpad 912 may be positioned at the base 904 such that an electricalconnection is established between the light source 906, layer 908, lead910, base 904, and pad 912.

In additional examples, the light source can be coupled with a sensor,such as photocell (not shown) and a travel distance of light source canbe detected when the flexible dome is compressed, thus providinginformation related to activation of the switch. These examples areshown in the configurations of FIGS. 10A and 10B. In FIGS. 10A and 10B,the key assembly may include a flexible dome 1010 (with top portion1012, coned portion 1014, base foot 1016 and interior convex portion1024), along with a key cap 1022 and an optional light source 1020 overmolded in the base foot 1016 (and/or positioned in other manners as isdisclosed herein). The base 1018 of the key assembly may include anoptical component (e.g., a detector, photo-resistor, etc.). Molded inthe interior convex portion 1024 may be positioned a light source 1026.The light source 1026 may be configured to emit IR light toward theoptical component 1028.

In an uncompressed state 1000, the light source 1026 emits IR light 1030that is detected by the optical component 1028 to be at a certaindistance corresponding to a distance associated with the key beinguncompressed. In a compressed state 1002 (e.g., when a force 1032 actingon the key cap 1022 causes the dome 1010 to collapse), the light source1026 emits IR light 1030 that is detected by the optical component 1028to be at a certain distance corresponding to a distance associated withthe key being compressed. Thus, when the optical component 1028 detectsthe light from the light source 1026 to travel a distance associatedwith the compressed state 1002, the optical component 1028 may generatea signal or output to a controller or processor of the system indicatingthat the key has been activated, such that the controller or processorinitiates the function associated with the activated key (e.g.,inputting the corresponding data). Put alternatively, a light source1026 may be over molded or otherwise positioned within (partially orfully) the flexible dome 1010 such that an optical switch may beconstructed. In this way, the first and second contacts of the inputbutton, described in previous embodiments could be eliminated.

Additional examples of light sources configured as optical switches areshown in FIGS. 11A-11C. The key assembly is shown in an uncompressedstate 1100, a compressed state 1102, and a partially compressed state1104. The key assembly includes a flexible dome 1110 (with a top portion1112, a coned portion 1114 and a base foot 1116), a key cap 1136, alight source 1120, and a key base 1118 with optical sensors/components1126 and 1128 positioned therein. It will be recognized that althoughthe embodiments depict the optical components positioned within the keybases, the components may be placed in other suitable positions in orderto effectuate an optical switch.

The key assembly includes at least two light sources 1122 and 1124,which may be configured to emit light 1130 and 1132 (e.g. IR light orother detectable light) to be detected by the optical components 1126and 1128 respectively. Each detector may be configured to determine adistance corresponding to a compressed state and an uncompressed state.For example, at state 1100, the detectors 1126 and 1128 may beconfigured to detect light from the light sources 1122 and 1124 to be ata distance associated with an uncompressed state. At state 1102, thedetectors 1126 and 1128 may detect the light to be at a distanceassociated with a compressed state. At state 1104, however, when the keycap 1136 is acted upon by a force 1150, the key cap transitions to acompressed state. Thus, the distance measured by detector 1126 mayindicate the compressed state while the distance measured by thedetector 1128 may indicate an uncompressed state. A system associatedwith key assemblies such as those depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11C may beconfigured to output particular signals or cause certain functions whena partially compressed state is detected. For example, the system maytreat the key as compressed, may treat the key as uncompressed, mayprompt the user via an application that the key was not fullycompressed, may cause a particular illumination of the key from a lightsource, etc.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views of a key arrangement where a larger part ofthe key includes the material of the flexible dome. The key arrangementis shown in an isometric view 1200 and a cross-sectional side view 1202.The key arrangement includes end caps 1212 and a molded structure 1210between the end caps 1212. A flexible dome 1214 may be positioned atabout the center of the molded structure 1210 and may be formed as partof the molded structure 1210. A light source 1216 is disposed within themolded structure 1210 (or alternatively, molded over by the moldedstructure 1210 during formation of the molded structure 1210). The keyassembly also includes a base 1218 and protrusions 1222 extending fromthe bottom of the molded structure 1210 to the top of the base 1218 suchthat the protrusions 1222 are positioned within a gap 1220 between thebase 1218 and the molded structure 1210. The molded structure 1210 maybe constructed of a translucent material or other light transmittingmaterial to facilitate transmission of light from the light source 1216throughout the molded structure 1210. For example, the molded structure1210 may be formed of a clear or partially clear rubber material thatmay also seal the key assembly from outside sources such as water.

The protrusions 1222 may elevate the molded structure 1210 from the base1218 such that the flexible dome 1214 is separated from an electronictrigger or switch 1224 disposed beneath the flexible dome 1214. A keycap (not shown) may be positioned or placed above the flexible dome 1214such that, when a force is applied to the key cap, the flexible dome1214 may collapse, making contact with the trigger 1224, therebycompleting or activating a switch for the key arrangement. An opticalswitch, such as those described above, may be utilized with the moldedstructure 1210 in place of or in addition to the switch 1224.

FIG. 13A shows a key configuration 1300 similar to that used with theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2A. The key configuration 1300 includes anarray 1314 of keys 1316 arranged in line with light sources 1310. Eachline in the array 1314 of keys 1316 may have associated with it onelight source from the light sources 1310. Each light source projectslight 1312 for illumination of the keys 1316. As described above, suchan arrangement 1300 may result in light loss due to the light guidesbeneath the array 1314 and/or loss of uniformity due to each lightsource having to light a substantial number of keys in the array 1314.Also, such configurations may not permit tunable light solutions.

FIG. 13B, the configuration 1302 shows a partitioned array, where thearray is partitioned into sections 1330A, 1330B, 1330C and 1330D. Lightsources 1320 and 1322 may be utilized and may be, for example,micro-LEDs as opposed to larger sized LEDs used to illuminate asubstantial number of keys. Light sources 1320 may produce light 1324and light sources 1322 may produce light 1326. Since each light sourceis responsible for the illumination of fewer keys, more uniform lightdistribution can be achieved and better tuning may be utilized (e.g.,lighting different partitions to different luminosity or colors).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a computing device 1400 that can use theswitches of the disclosed embodiments. It will be appreciated that thecomponents, devices or elements illustrated in and described withrespect to FIG. 14 may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted incertain embodiments. The computing device 1400 can include a processor1402 that represents a microprocessor, a coprocessor, circuitry and/or acontroller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device1400. Although illustrated as a single processor, it can be appreciatedthat the processor 1402 can include a plurality of processors. Theplurality of processors can be in operative communication with eachother and can be collectively configured to perform one or morefunctionalities of the computing device 1400 as described herein. Insome embodiments, the processor 1402 can be configured to executeinstructions that can be stored at the computing device 1400 and/or thatcan be otherwise accessible to the processor 1402. As such, whetherconfigured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, theprocessor 1402 can be capable of performing operations and actions inaccordance with embodiments described herein.

The computing device 1400 can also include a user input device 1404 thatallows a user of the computing device 1400 to interact with thecomputing device 1400. For example, the user input device 1404 can takea variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audioinput interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the formof sensor data, etc. Such user input can utilize the switches of thedescribed embodiments herein. Still further, the computing device 1400can include a display 1408 (screen display) that can be controlled bythe processor 1402 to display information to a user. A controller 1410can be used to interface with and control different equipment through anequipment control bus 1412. The computing device 1400 can also include anetwork/bus interface 1414 that couples to a data link 1416. The datalink 1416 can allow the computing device 1400 to couple to a hostcomputer or to accessory devices. The data link 1416 can be providedover a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of awireless connection, network/bus interface 1414 can include a wirelesstransceiver.

The computing device 1400 can also include a storage device 1418, and astorage management module that manages one or more partitions (alsoreferred to herein as “logical volumes”) within the storage device 1418.In some embodiments, the storage device 1418 can include flash memory,semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Still further, thecomputing device 1400 can include Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1420 and RandomAccess Memory (RAM) 1422. The ROM 1420 can store programs, code,instructions, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatilemanner. The RAM 1422 can provide volatile data storage, and storeinstructions related to components of the storage management module thatare configured to carry out the various techniques described herein. Thecomputing device 1400 can further include data bus 1424. The data bus1424 can facilitate data and signal transfer between at least theprocessor 1402, the controller 1410, the network/bus interface 1414, thestorage device 1418, the ROM 1420, and the RAM 1422. The variousaspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the describedembodiments can be used separately or in any combination.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a method 1500 for assemblingswitches of the described embodiments. In a step 1502, a flexible domecapable of collapsing under an applied force and having lighttransmitting characteristic can be arranged as part of a switchconfiguration. For example, the flexible dome may be arranged such thata first contact coupled to the flexible dome is opposite a secondcontact and such that the first contact can touch the second contactwhen the flexible dome is collapsed under the applied force. In a step1504, the switch configuration (e.g., the first contact and secondcontact) can be electrically coupled to a processor such that when thecontacts touch a circuit is completed and a signal is sent to theprocessor. In a step 1506, a light source can be arranged to be inoptical communication with the flexible dome, the light sourceconfigured to emit visible light into the flexible dome, the flexibledome configured to internally transmit visible light emitted by thelight source and subsequently emit the visible light. The light sourcemay be over molded by the flexible dome and/or by the material fromwhich the flexible dome is formed. In a step 1508, a key cap scissormechanism (e.g., a key travel control mechanism) can be arranged aroundthe flexible dome. The key travel control mechanism may control verticalor other displacement of the key when acted upon by outside forces. In astep 1510, a key cap can be coupled to the flexible dome and to thescissor mechanism.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations oras computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controllinga manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storagedevice that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computersystem. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, andoptical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dome switch assembly, comprising: a switch; adome structure positioned under the switch, the dome structure includinga flexible material that is capable of collapsing in response to a forceapplied to the switch; a light source carried within the dome structure;and an optical component (i) positioned under the dome structure, and(ii) configured to determine a distance between the light source and theoptical component, wherein the optical component is capable ofgenerating a signal that indicates whether the switch is in a compressedstate or an uncompressed state in accordance with the distance.
 2. Thedome switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the optical component iscarried by a base of the dome switch assembly.
 3. The dome switchassembly of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a printed circuit board.4. The dome switch assembly of claim 3, wherein the distance correspondsto either (i) a first distance that corresponds to the compressed stateor (ii) a second distance that corresponds to the uncompressed state. 5.The dome switch assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source emitsinfrared (IR) light.
 6. The dome switch assembly of claim 5, wherein thedistance is based on an amount of time for light to reach the opticalcomponent from the light source.
 7. The dome switch assembly of claim 1,wherein the flexible material is translucent such as to permit for lightgenerated by the light source to be detected by the optical component.8. The dome switch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a controllerthat initiates a function associated with the switch in response to thesignal.
 9. The dome switch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: asecond light source embedded within the dome structure; and a secondoptical component positioned under the dome structure and configured todetect the second light source to determine the distance associated withthe switch.
 10. A keyboard for an electronic component, the keyboardcomprising: a base comprising a printed circuit board; and keys carriedby the base, wherein each of the keys includes: a key cap; an opticalcomponent positioned under the key cap; and a collapsible structurepositioned between the key cap and the base, the collapsible structureincluding a light source embedded therein that is configured to emitlight towards the optical component, wherein the optical component iscapable of (i) determining a distance between the optical component andthe light source based on an amount of the light detected by the opticalcomponent, and (ii) generating a signal that indicates a configurationof each of the keys based on the distance.
 11. The keyboard of claim 10,wherein the light includes IR light.
 12. The keyboard of claim 10,wherein a first portion of the key cap includes a mask that definesindicia, and the mask prevents the light from passing through the firstportion.
 13. The keyboard of claim 10, wherein each of the keys includesa scissor mechanism that is disposed between the base and the key cap,and the scissor mechanism includes a translucent material.
 14. Thekeyboard of claim 10, wherein the optical component includes a lightdetector or a photo-resistor.
 15. The keyboard of claim 10, wherein thecollapsible structure comprises a top portion, a coned portion, a basefoot, and an interior convex portion, and the light source is moldedinto the interior convex portion.
 16. The keyboard of claim 10, whereinthe configuration includes (i) a compressed configuration thatcorresponds to a first distance or (ii) an uncompressed configurationthat corresponds to a second distance greater than the first distance.17. An electronic device including a keyboard, the electronic devicecomprising: a printed circuit board including an optical component,wherein the optical component is configured to (i) detect an amount oflight emitted from a light source that corresponds to a key of thekeyboard, and (ii) generate a corresponding signal based on the amountof light; a controller capable of (i) receiving the corresponding signalfrom the optical component, wherein the corresponding signal indicates astate of the key, and (ii) executing a function based on thecorresponding signal; a translucent dome structure that overlays theoptical component; and a key cap that covers the key, wherein the keycap is capable of contacting a top surface of the translucent domestructure.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the lightsource is embedded within the translucent dome structure.
 19. Theelectronic device of claim 17, further comprising a scissor mechanismdisposed between the key cap and the printed circuit board.
 20. Theelectronic device of claim 18, wherein the translucent dome structurecomprises a flexible material.